Mentorship has become a standard expectation for graduation DVM students in their first years in practice. There is a lot of power in mentorship in accelerating careers towards success and improving patient care. However, as the term has been used more and more, we have forgotten a simple question, what is mentorship?
This question is one that needs definition and constant refinement as it varies person to person, mentee to mentee and mentor to mentor. We are all likely to have different expectations as mentees and mentors, so why are we leaving the success of that relationship up to chance? Why are some of us expecting the other party to contribute their entire selves while the other contributes little to nothing?
In this episode of the PAWCast, we are blessed to have Dr. Katie Niksich join us in the studio as we discuss the balance of mentorship and how to best set the bounds of the relationship that has the greatest potential to propel a young veterinary professional’s career forward. We discuss the utilization of values as defining characteristics of the relationship and getting expectations in writing just as clear as any contract for employment.
Mentoring can be a great asset when implemented well. It can be a major detriment to everyone when it is out of balance.
What are you seeking in a mentor? Do you believe in using a mentorship agreement prior to job offer acceptance? Let us know in the comments!
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PAW Health Resources: http://bit.ly/PAWCast
AAHA Mentoring Guidelines: https://bit.ly/374xgzo
Strive: Life is Short, Pursue What Matters by Tim Hiller: https://amzn.to/3mCFyU3
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin: https://amzn.to/38rMXk6
12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson: https://amzn.to/2KGGhGG
The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin: https://amzn.to/3qDkIai
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek: https://amzn.to/3dw9izl
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle: https://amzn.to/2lB5rdy
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink: https://amzn.to/2nfvo2Ia
The PAWCast is a semi-weekly veterinary podcast devoted to sharing the ideas of how to be a force of change in the veterinary profession. Those who will find this content helpful will be those who appreciate and wish to implement change for the better in their professional lives. These skills and techniques can be applied at any level of experience or influence, and are the things that have led PAW Health Network to over 250% growth in 3 years. Our industry needs help, and you are the force of change. Let us show you how.
